Modular arrangement intended to accommodate at least one passenger of an aircraft and aircraft cabin comprising at least one such modular arrangement, in particular at a cargo area of the aircraft

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a modular arrangement intended to accommodate at least one passenger of an aircraft, comprising A modular aircraft passenger accommodation includes at least one module, configured to be arranged in a removable manner in a cargo area of the aircraft. The module communication with an upper deck of the aircraft, and/or a comfort module. The comfort module includes at least one comfort device for improving the comfort of the passenger. The module is configured to be in communication with at least one space outside the module situated in the cargo area.

The present invention relates to a modular arrangement intended toaccommodate at least one passenger of an aircraft. More specifically,the modular arrangement according to the present invention is intendedto be provided in a removable manner in the cargo area of the aircraft.In addition, the present invention also relates to an aircraft cabincomprising at least one such modular arrangement, advantageously severalsimilar modular arrangements, in particular at the cargo area of theaircraft.

In aircraft, in particular in long-haul aircraft with two main aisles,the lower deck comprises a cargo area that is often underused and/or hasreduced occupancy. It has therefore already been considered to convertthe cargo area into a cabin space, i.e. a space intended to accommodatepassengers, in particular in seats, during the flight. Such anarrangement can be definitive or temporary and/or achieved in areversible or irreversible manner. The term “temporary and/orreversible” is used to describe an arrangement that can be quicklyinstalled and removed, as necessary, to use the cargo area eitherconventionally for the transport of goods, or as indicated above andaccording to the invention, to accommodate passengers.

The lower deck is made accessible from an upper deck that conventionallyaccommodates the passengers and the cabin crew in charge of welcomingsaid passengers, and of ensuring their comfort and safety, to enable thepassage from the upper deck to the lower deck. The term “cabin crew” isused here and in the following description to describe the staff(hostesses, stewards, etc.) working and operating in the aircraft duringthe various phases of flight, with the exception of the staff working onpiloting the aircraft. Furthermore, it should also be noted that theterm “cabin crew” is meant to exclude the passengers.

In the present description, the term “upper deck” is used to describethe conventional spaces where the passengers of an aircraft are seated.Thus, for an aircraft of the Boeing 747 or Airbus A380 type, the term“upper deck” includes the two superimposed spaces wherein passengers areseated. Thus, according to the invention, the term “upper deck” is usedas opposed to the “lower deck”, because the upper deck is intended toaccommodate passengers, while the “lower deck” is, in the scope of thepresent invention, intended to accommodate passengers and/or to receiveloads and/or goods stored in the cargo area of the aircraft.

According to guidelines and regulations applicable at the date of theinvention, the presence of passengers in the lower deck is allowed onlyduring periods of flight outside of taxiing, take-off and landingphases. During these phases, all passengers must be seated in the upperdeck area.

The difficulties relating to the arrangement of a cargo area in order toaccommodate passengers are numerous. Firstly, the configuration of thearrangement of the cargo area into an accommodation area for passengersshould be flexible, i.e. it can be arranged according to variousconfigurations, and it should be able to adapt to various types ofaircraft to be equipped and to the demand in terms of passengers and/orgoods to be transported. In addition, the costs incurred for thearrangement of the cargo area to accommodate the passengers should be asreduced as possible in order to ensure the economic viability of such asolution. At the same time, the irreversible changes to the aircraft,such as providing an access opening between the floor of the upper deckand the cargo area, or providing an interface enabling the supply ofvarious fluids, and in particular electrical power and air conditioning,to the cargo area intended to accommodate the passengers, must bereduced to a minimum. Finally, the cargo area must be able to return toits initial purpose, i.e. an area dedicated to the transport of goods,in a minimum amount of time, and without the arrangements made toaccommodate the passengers limiting its capacities.

However, the low ceiling height of the cargo zone creates a problem.Indeed, passengers and/or cabin crew members located in the cargo areaare not able to stand up. Such a situation is detrimental to the comfortof the passengers and/or the members of the cabin crew.

Currently, the arrangements proposed do not adequately meet these goals.

The present invention proposes to improve the situation. To this end, itrelates to a modular arrangement intended to accommodate at least onepassenger of an aircraft. Said arrangement comprises at least onemodule, in particular a structural element, configured to be arranged ina removable manner in a cargo area of the aircraft.

Advantageously, the module further comprises an access means from anupper deck of the aircraft, the access means being in particular housedin the structural element, the module being configured to enablecommunications between the upper deck and at least one space external tothe module and located in the cargo area, so as to form a module, termed“access module”.

In a variant, the module can comprise a comfort device to improve thecomfort of the passenger, in particular housed in the structuralelement. In addition, the module can be configured to be incommunication with at least one space, external to the module andlocated in the cargo area so as to form a module, termed “comfortmodule”.

In a variant, the module can form a functional module, i.e. a moduleconfigured to communicate with at least one space external to themodule, located in the cargo area, so as to supply the cargo area, andin particular to supply other modules located in the cargo area, withpower, in particular electrical power, with data, in particular withdigital data, and/or with fluids. The functional module isadvantageously configured to be connected to one or more on-boardsystems of the aircraft.

In yet another variant, the module can form a sanitary module, i.e. amodule configured to communicate with at least one space external to themodule, in particular one or more other modules located in the cargoarea, the sanitary module comprising toilets for the passengers and/ormembers of the cabin crew.

With the module according to the invention, it is possible to flexiblyequip the cargo area. In addition, according to the present invention,the cargo area is configurable according to various modular arrangementsdesigned to meet the requirements and/or preferences, in particular, ofan airline company. This type of flexibility and/or modularity isachieved in particular with a limited number of elements taken from acatalogue of standard modules, the different combinations of which willadapt the arrangement of the cargo area based on needs, taking intoaccount the specificities of the aircraft. In addition, the presentinvention in particular enables various orientations of the accessmeans, in order to achieve an optimal configuration and to optimisespace occupancy in the cargo area and/or the upper deck. The modulesfurther allow to quickly empty the cargo area in order to ensure itsquick return to full capacity.

Advantageously, when the module comprises an access means, it does notcomprise comfort devices. Alternatively, the module comprises a comfortdevice, and it does not comprise an access means. In an alternativeversion, the comfort module can comprise an access means and at leastone comfort device.

In the case of access modules, the module is preferably intended to beassociated with one or more comfort modules. It can also be used toequip a cargo area having an area intended to accommodate passengers,said area not being achieved with comfort modules.

In the case of comfort modules, the module is preferably intended to beassociated with one or more other comfort modules and/or at least oneaccess module. It can also be used to equip a cargo area having an areaintended to accommodate passengers but that is not fully made of comfortmodules and/or of which access from the upper deck is not achieved bymeans of an access module.

In particular, in the case of an access module, the module can comprisea lower part and an upper part forming a ceiling for the lower part. Theceiling is advantageously independent from and secured to the lowerpart. The ceiling comprises a housing providing access inside themodule, such a housing being intended to be provided opposite an accesshatch provided in a floor of the upper deck of the aircraft. Saidhousing has, for example, a shape that is substantially similar to theshape of the access hatch. In a variant, the housing is bigger than theaccess hatch. In yet another variant, the module is fully open in itstop part.

The invention also proposes a cabin of an aircraft comprising a cargoarea, an upper deck, located at another level to the cargo area, and atleast one access means making it possible to put the upper deck and thecargo area in communication. The cargo area is configured to accommodateat least one passenger. The access means comprises an access means, suchas a staircase, and the upper deck has at least locally a raised floor,in particular in the vicinity of the access means, so as to provide atleast a part of the cargo area with a ceiling height that is greaterthan the ceiling height of the rest of the cargo area.

The invention rests in particular on the applicant's observation thatthe use of spaces forming a right angle with the areas surrounding theaccess means at the upper deck can be achieved with reduced ceilingheight. It is therefore possible to locally raise the floor of the upperdeck, without affecting the conditions of use of the aforementionedspaces. This localised raising of the floor of the upper deck provides agreater ceiling height in at least one part of the cargo area. Thepassengers and cabin crew members present in this part of the cargo areaare therefore able, at least locally, to stand up.

According to the complementary or alternative characteristics of theinvention, which can be considered individually or as a combination ofone or more thereof:

-   -   the module is configured to be in communication with a        neighbouring module,    -   the module is configured to be provided next to a neighbouring,        adjacent or contiguous module, in particular along a        longitudinal axis of the aircraft, advantageously also        corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the module,    -   the module is configured to extend over all or part of the width        of the cargo area, in particular over a full width of the cargo        area,    -   the module is configured to be loaded into the cargo area        through a side of the aircraft,    -   the module is configured to be moved along the longitudinal        direction of the module during its installation,    -   the module comprises a first passage and/or a second passage        configured to communicate with a first module and/or a second        neighbouring, adjacent or contiguous module, in particular at        the level of their corresponding respective passages,    -   the first passage and the second passage are located at the        level of opposite faces of the module along a direction that        extends parallel with the longitudinal axis of the module,    -   the module comprises a main aisle between the first passage and        the second passage,    -   the first passage and the second passage are located in the        extension of one another along the longitudinal direction of the        module,    -   the main aisle is rectilinear,    -   in a variant, the main aisle is S-shaped,    -   said module, in particular said structural element, comprises a        box configured to be loaded in the aircraft in a removable        manner,    -   the box comprises side faces, configured to engage with guides        of the cargo area for the positioning of the module inside the        cargo area,    -   the side faces comprise a cutaway, configured to engage with the        guides of the cargo area for the positioning of the module        inside the cargo area,    -   the box comprises end faces, configured to be arranged opposite        the corresponding faces of neighbouring modules, such that the        two adjacent modules thus formed have a double wall thickness        separating them,    -   in a variant, the box comprises an end face and an opposite open        end side such that two adjacent modules thus formed are        separated by a single wall thickness, by bringing the open side        of the one in contact with the end face of the other,    -   in a variant, the box comprises two open end sides such that two        adjacent modules thus formed are not separated by a wall, the        module comprises inner walls, for example intended to be        oriented along the longitudinal axis of the aircraft and/or        perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, the        inner walls compartmentalising the modules so as to form        independent spaces, in particular meeting rooms,    -   the box comprises attachment means to the cargo area,    -   the module comprises at least one internal network, for the        distribution of power, in particular electrical power, for the        transmission of data and/or for the distribution of fluids, and        at least one connection interface of the circulation network        with the exterior of the module,    -   the connection interface of the module is configured to engage        with at least one connection interface of the neighbouring        module,    -   the connection interface of the module is configured to engage        with the cargo area,    -   the comfort device comprises one or more sleeping units,    -   the module comprises one or more storage compartments, in        particular for valuables such as handbags, laptops or other        items,    -   the storage compartments are integrated with the sleeping units        and/or located close to the sleeping units,    -   a first sleeping unit is arranged parallel with the main aisle,    -   a second sleeping unit is arranged perpendicular to the main        aisle,    -   the box has a dimension along the longitudinal direction of the        module ranging from 150 to 240 cm,    -   the access means comprises a staircase, or a ladder,    -   the access means opens onto a landing of the cargo area, in        particular connecting to the main aisle,    -   the ladder can be straight, form a quarter-turn or a half-turn,    -   the structural element, in particular the box, is configured to        enable the staircase to be secured according to various        predetermined configurations,    -   the box comprises anchoring means of the staircase evenly        distributed at the level of a base and/or a floor of the box,    -   the module comprises toilets and/or a service area, in        particular intended for the cabin crew,    -   the toilets and/or service areas are located on either side of        the staircase along the longitudinal direction of the module,        and/or    -   the upper face of the module comprises a recess forming a right        angle with the landing of the cargo area.

The invention also relates to an aircraft cabin comprising one or moremodules such as described previously, arranged in particular at thelevel of the cargo area of the aircraft.

According to various additional or alternative features of theinvention, which can be considered individually or as a combination ofone or more thereof:

-   -   one of the modules is an access module and at least one of the        other modules is a comfort module,    -   the modules are positioned in succession along a longitudinal        axis of the aircraft,    -   the modules communicate with one another, such that the        passenger can go from one module to the next,    -   the comfort modules are identical,    -   in a variant, the comfort modules are of different types,        selected from a limited number of standard modules,    -   the cargo area has a lowered floor, at least at the level of the        module or modules,    -   the floor of the module or modules fits with the shape of the        floor of the cargo area,    -   the upper deck features at least locally a raised floor, so as        to provide a part of the cargo area with a ceiling height that        is greater than the ceiling height of the rest of the cargo        area,    -   the upper deck comprises an inclined partition forming, at least        partially, a ceiling keeping a relatively constant ceiling        height above each step or flight of steps of the staircase,    -   the raised floor is located at the level of the landing,    -   the upper deck comprises a wash-stand, toilets and/or a service        area opposite the inclined partition,    -   the raised floor forms a floor of the upper deck in front of the        wash-stand, the toilets and/or the service area of the upper        deck, and/or    -   the raised floor is located at the level of a surface of the        cargo area located in the vicinity of the last steps of the        staircase, on the cargo area side.

According to another aspect of the invention, the cargo area is arrangedin the form of modules.

The various features, variants, and/or embodiments of the presentinvention can be associated with one another according to variouscombinations, provided that they are not incompatible with one anotheror exclusive.

The invention will be best understood and other features and advantageswill appear more clearly upon reading the following detailed descriptioncomprising embodiments provided by way of example with reference to theappended drawings, presented by way of examples and not limited thereto,which can complete the understanding of the invention and thepresentation of its embodiment, and, as necessary, contribute to itsdefinition, among which:

FIGS. 1a to 1c show a schematic and perspective view respectively of,

-   -   a first series of modules according to the invention,        corresponding to a first arrangement in the cargo area,    -   a second first series of modules according to the invention,        corresponding to a second arrangement in the cargo area, and    -   a third series of modules according to the invention,        corresponding to a third arrangement in the cargo area,

FIG. 2 shows a schematic and perspective view of another series ofmodules according to the invention, having modules according toconfigurations different from those of FIGS. 1a to 1 c,

FIG. 3 shows a schematic and perspective view of another series ofmodules according to the invention, having a combination of modules suchas described in FIGS. 1a to 1c and 2,

FIGS. 4a to 4c show a schematic and perspective view of alternativeconfiguration variants of a module according to the invention,

FIG. 5 shows a schematic and top view of another series of modulesaccording to the invention, so as to present a first interfacing modebetween the modules and the cargo area,

FIG. 6 shows a schematic and top view of another series of modulesaccording to the invention, so as to present a second interfacing modebetween the modules and the cargo area,

FIG. 7 shows a schematic and top view of another series of modulesaccording to the invention, so as to present a specificity of the accessmeans of the access module,

FIG. 8 shows a schematic and perspective view of a first variant of theaccess module of FIG. 6, during a mounting phase,

FIG. 9 shows a schematic and perspective view of a second variant of theaccess module of FIG. 6, during a mounting phase,

FIG. 10 shows a schematic and perspective view of a configuration of anaccess module according to the invention,

FIG. 11 shows a schematic and perspective view of a configuration ofstaircase of a cabin according to a first variant of the invention,

FIG. 12 shows FIG. 11 according to another viewing angle, completingthat of FIG. 11,

FIG. 13 shows a part of FIG. 12 to highlight the advantage provided bythe variant of the invention in question, and

FIG. 14 shows a schematic and perspective view of a configuration ofstaircase of a cabin according to a second variant of the invention.

As shown in particular in FIGS. 1a to 1c , 2 and 3, the invention alsorelates to a modular arrangement intended to accommodate at least onepassenger of an aircraft. In the present invention, reference isgenerally made to one single passenger. However, it should be noted thatthe invention also applies to several passengers.

The modular arrangement according to the invention is advantageouslyintended to equip an aircraft comprising a lower deck 1 and an upperdeck, defining a main cabin, not shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c , 2 and 3. Thelower deck 1 comprises at least one cargo area 2. According to thepresent invention, the cargo area 2 is converted, in particulartemporarily or definitively and/or in a reversible or irreversiblemanner, into cabin space. Thus, according to the embodiments of thepresent invention, the cargo area 2 is configurable according to variousmodular arrangements designed to meet the requirements and/orpreferences, in particular, of an airline company, according to aflexible and modular arrangement.

According to guidelines and regulations applicable at the date of theinvention, the cargo area must be clear of passengers during taxiing,take-off and landing phases. It can only be occupied outside of thesespecific phases. In other words, according to a possible implementationof the invention, the passengers are all seated in designated seats ofthe upper deck or decks 1, during taxiing, take-off and landing phases,and authorised to access the cargo area 2, as converted, outside thesephases. Access to the cargo area 2, as converted, is preferablyperformed according to specific access conditions, for example definedupon the purchase of the ticket and/or during the flight.

The upper deck comprises, according to a specific example, two mainaisles and three rows of seats, in particular to equip an aircraftintended for long-haul flights. Of course, such an arrangement is onlyindicative of many other possible alternative arrangements includedwithin the scope of the invention, in particular in aircraft of whichthe upper deck comprises several decks, such as Boeing 747 or AirbusA380 aircraft.

According to a specific embodiment, the cargo area 2 has a configurationwith limited height, for example a height of less than 2 m. In certaincircumstances, the height of the cargo area can be configured to be lessthan 1.8 m, and even 1.6 m. The height of the cargo area is inparticular measured in a central part, it being noted that the height ofthe cargo area in the side parts thereof, i.e. generally arranged in thevicinity and along the sides 8 of the aircraft, can have heights thatare even lower.

In the examples shown, the cargo area 2 is, preferably, delimited byside walls 4 that connect to the end walls 6 closing the cargo area 2.More specifically, the side walls 4 generally extend parallel with alongitudinal axis XX′ of the aircraft and the end walls 6 generallyextend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX′ of the aircraft.Preferably, the side walls 4 extend parallel with a plane XZ of acoordinate system XYZ comprising the longitudinal axis XX′ of theaircraft as axis X and the end walls 6 extend parallel to a plane YZ ofthe coordinate system XYZ.

The cargo area 2 is between the sides 8 of the aircraft. Because of thecurved geometry of the sides 8 of the aircraft, residual space ispresent between the side walls 4 of the cargo area 2 and the sides 8 ofthe aircraft. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the presentinvention comprises side walls 4 of the cargo area 2 that tend to reduceto a minimum the residual space present between the side walls 4 of thecargo area 2 and the sides 8 of the aircraft. For this purpose, the sidewalls 4 can have a profile having several vertical sections connected bylinking sections, for example, oblique.

In order to enable the loading of loads and/or goods intended to bestored in the cargo area 2 of the aircraft, an access opening 10 of thecargo area 2 is provided on at least one of the side walls 4 of thecargo area 2. The access opening 10 is preferably located at the levelof one of the side walls 4 of the cargo area 2 and opposite an accessdoor 12, termed “cargo door 12” provided on one of the sides 8 of theaircraft. Without departing from the scope of the invention, theequipped aircraft can comprise several cargo areas, possibly dividedinto compartments such as that shown 13 in FIGS. 1a to 1c , 2 and 3.

The modular arrangement according to the invention can further comprisea first modular element 18, termed “access module 18” and/or at least asecond modular element 22, termed “comfort module 22”. Preferably, thefirst modular element 18, and respectively the second modular element22, can comprise a structural element 14, in particular a frame 14,contributing to defining a structural shell of the first modular element18, and respectively of the second modular element 22. Morespecifically, the structural element 14 is configured to be mounted,placed or arranged, preferably in a removable and reversible manner, inthe cargo area 2 of the aircraft.

More specifically, the first modular element 18 or access module 18advantageously comprises an access means 16 from the upper deck of theaircraft to allow access from the upper deck of the aircraft to theaccess module 18. Moreover, the second modular element 22 or comfortmodule 22 advantageously comprises at least one comfort device 20improving the comfort of the passenger present in the comfort module 22.In particular, the term “comfort device” describes a means enabling thepassenger to rest in a partially or fully seated position and/or in apartially or fully reclined position.

According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, theaccess module 18 does not comprise a comfort module 20 and/or thecomfort module 22 does not comprise an access means 16. According toother specific embodiments, the access module 18 can also advantageouslycomprise at least one comfort device 20.

The access means 16 is arranged in or on the structural element 14, inparticular the frame 14. In addition, the access module 18 is configuredto enable the upper deck to communicate with at least one space externalto the access module 18 and located in the cargo area 2, for example acomfort module 22. According to a specific embodiment, the access module18 is, moreover, located opposite one of the end walls 6 of the cargoarea 2, advantageously arranged adjacent to one of the end walls 6 ofthe cargo area 2.

The modules 18, 22, in particular the access module 18, can comprise alower part and an upper part forming a ceiling for the lower part. Theceiling is advantageously independent from and secured to the lowerpart. Various ceilings can therefore be adapted to a single lower part,in particular to ensure the proper positioning of the access module withrespect to an access hatch provided in the upper deck and affordingaccess to the modules 18, 22. Indeed, the relative positioning of theaccess hatch and of the access module 18 can vary from one aircraft tothe other. It is indeed possible to place the access module in theintended location thereof under the access hatch, while also optimisingthe volume of the cargo area, for example by positioning the accessmodule against an end wall of the cargo area, rather than losing surfacearea in the cargo area.

The ceiling comprises a housing providing access to the inside of themodule, such a housing being intended to be provided opposite the accesshatch provided in a floor of the upper deck of the aircraft. Saidhousing has, for example, a shape that is substantially similar to theform of the access hatch. In a variant, the housing is bigger than theaccess hatch. In yet another variant, the module is fully open in itstop part.

Preferably, said access module comprises a lining that enables toconceal, and even to seal, an interface zone between the ceiling of themodule and the floor of the upper deck, at the level of an edge of thehousing and/or of the access hatch.

The comfort device 20 is arranged in or on the structural element 14, inparticular the frame 14. Furthermore, the comfort module 22 isconfigured to communicate with at least one space external to thecomfort module 22 and located in the cargo area 2, for example anothercomfort module 22 and/or an access module 18. According to an embodimentshown in the figures, the comfort module 22 is arranged:

-   -   between an access module 18 and another comfort module 22, or    -   between two other comfort modules 22, or    -   between another comfort module 22 and the rest of the cargo area        2.

According to another embodiment, the comfort module 22 can be arranged:

-   -   between an access module 18 and one of the end walls 6 of the        cargo area 2, or    -   between another comfort module 22 and one of the end walls 6 of        the cargo area 2.

In the specific configuration wherein the comfort module 22 opens ontothe rest of the cargo area 2, the access to the rest of the cargo areapreferably remains closed.

The comfort module 22 is therefore preferably configured to enable acommunication between two spaces external to said comfort module 22,even if each of said communication means is not necessarily used.

Thanks to such a configuration in modular elements or modules, inparticular specific-purpose modules, i.e. in particular the accessmodule 18 and the comfort module 22, it is possible to equip the cargoarea 2 in a manner adapted to specific needs, according to a modulararrangement that can be arranged to suit multiple configurations.Furthermore, the preparation of the cargo area 2 according to thepresent invention is possible in a fast and reversible manner.

In particular, each module, respectively the first modular element 18 oraccess module 18 and/or the second modular element 22 or comfort module22, is configured to communicate with a module arranged in a contiguousmanner in the cargo area 2 of the aircraft, also termed neighbouringmodule.

Such as shown in FIG. 1a , the cargo area 2 accommodates a successionand/or stack of modules formed of one access module 18 and two comfortmodules 22. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1b , the cargo area 2 iscompletely filled with an additional comfort module 22.

Finally, in the embodiment of FIG. 1c , two other additional comfortmodules 22 are arranged in the cargo area 2 such that nearly the entirevolume of the cargo area 2 is filled. The comfort modules shown in thesefigures define resting areas and the comfort devices 20 they compriseare configured for that purpose.

In a variant (not shown), all, one of, or more of the modules, inparticular the comfort module or modules 22, or more thereof, can beconfigured for other uses than that of a resting area, in particular todefine meeting rooms, hospitality areas, sales areas such as a shop,and/or leisure areas such as a bar or a casino.

In particular, at least one of these modules can comprise one or moremeeting rooms. These meeting rooms are preferably closed. They can alsobe used as privacy areas for people who want to be secluded from therest of the space defined by the modules provided in the cargo area 2.They are configured, for example, to accommodate two to threepassengers. They advantageously comprise a phone and/orvideoconferencing system.

Such a module can comprise inner partitions for example oriented alongthe longitudinal axis of the aircraft and/or perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the aircraft, the inner partitionscompartmentalising the module into independent spaces, delimiting atleast partially said meeting rooms. These inner partitions can beremoved and/or retracted. They can also be used to compartmentalise themodule for uses other than that of meeting rooms.

In a variant, one of the modules or more of the modules, in this casepositioned in a succession, define a said hospitality area, a said salesarea and/or a said leisure area.

A succession/stack of modules (not shown) is, for example, formed of anaccess module, a comfort module intended to accommodate passengers andone or several comfort modules configured to serve as a resting area.

In another variant, one of the comfort modules can define a sanitarymodule, i.e. a module comprising one or more toilets. In other words,the module only comprises toilets or possibly service areas, withoutcomfort devices 20 or access means 16.

Advantageously, each module according to the invention, i.e. the accessmodule 18 and/or the comfort module 22, is configured to be arrangedside-by-side with a neighbouring module along the longitudinal axis XX′of the aircraft. Therefore, the longitudinal axis XX′ of the aircraftdefines a “longitudinal direction of the module”. In other words, eachmodule is configured to be contiguous with another module, and even tobe sandwiched between two other modules, in the longitudinal directionof the modules. According to such arrangements, several series ofmodules stacked horizontally along the longitudinal axis XX′ of theaircraft are arranged in the cargo area 2, to convert it into a cabinspace.

According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, eachmodular element or module is configured to extend over a full width ofthe cargo area 2. In the present context, the width of the cargo areaextends along an axis Z of the system of coordinates XYZ. Thus, the partof the cargo area 2 that can be left vacant for the transport of goodsis located in the extension, along the longitudinal axis XX′ of theaircraft, or of the last module or modules of the series of modulesformed in the cargo area 2.

Preferably, each module, i.e. the access module 18 and/or the comfortmodule 22, is configured to be loaded into the cargo area 2 through oneof the sides 8 of the aircraft, in particular, through the access door12, or cargo door 12, of the aircraft and through the access opening 10of the cargo area 2. Each module is also configured to be moved alongthe longitudinal direction of the module during its installation, so asto facilitate the abovementioned horizontal stacking of the modules.Thus, a first of the modules is loaded through the access door 12 andthe access opening 10. Then, the first of the modules is brought to itsintended position within the cargo area 2. The same operation isrepeated for each successive module, following the order of modulesrequired to achieve the desired configuration of modules in order toconvert the cargo area 2 into a specific cabin area.

Each module, i.e. the access module 18 and/or the comfort module 22comprises, for example, at least one first passage 24, advantageously atleast a second passage 24, configured to communicate with at least onemodule arranged immediately before and/or after it along thelongitudinal axis XX′ of the aircraft in the desired configuration ofmodules. Advantageously, when the module, i.e. the access module 18and/or the comfort module 22, comprises at least one first passage 24and at least one second passage 24, the first passage 24 and the secondpassage 24 are arranged so as to enable a communication of the modulewith the module arranged immediately before and the module arrangedimmediately after it along the longitudinal axis XX′ of the aircraft inthe desired configuration of modules.

According to various embodiments shown, each module comprises twopassages 24, one of the passages 24 located at an end of the series ofmodules being sealed, closed or intended to be closed. Preferably, thefirst passage 24 and the second passage 24 are located at the level ofopposite faces of each of the modules along the longitudinal directionof the module.

Advantageously, the module comprises, for example, a main aisle 26connecting the first passage 24 to the second passage 24. According tovarious configurations and arrangements of the first passage 24 and ofthe second passage 24, the main aisle 26 can have a rectilinearorientation or a curved orientation having at least one inflexion.

According to a first configuration of the module, corresponding to FIGS.1a to 1c , the first passage 24 and the second passage 24 are located inthe extension of one another along the longitudinal direction of themodule, and the main aisle 26 is rectilinear. Said figures also show anexample of an embodiment of the present invention wherein an accessmeans 18 is combined with several identical comfort modules 22, i.e. twocomfort modules 22 according to the example of FIG. 1a , three comfortmodules 22 according to the example of FIG. 1b and five comfort modules22 according to the example of FIG. 1 c.

According to another configuration of the module, in particularapplicable to the comfort modules 22, corresponding to FIG. 2, the firstpassage 24 and the second passage 24 are laterally offset from thelongitudinal axis XX′ of the aircraft and the main aisle along thelongitudinal axis XX′ of the aircraft is S-shaped.

In the example of the configuration of the cargo area 2 according toFIG. 2, the comfort modules 22 are different in pairs, meaning that twoadjacent comfort modules are not identical. According to a specificembodiment, two adjacent comfort modules 22 are arranged symmetricallywith respect to one another, as a mirror image.

In FIG. 3, the comfort modules 22, according to the precedingconfigurations described in relation to FIGS. 1a to 1c and 2, arecombined and arranged in an alternating manner.

The FIGS. 2 and 3 show examples wherein the comfort modules 22 are ofdifferent types. Ideally, the different variants of the comfort modules22 are limited, defining the standards of comfort modules 22. Thus, thevarious comfort modules 22 are selected from a limited number ofstandard comfort modules 22. The term “different type” is used, inparticular, to describe the fact that the number and/or spatialdistribution of the comfort devices 20 inside the comfort module 22 aredifferent.

It has been explained above that, preferably, the various modules, i.e.a combination of at least one access module 18 and/or at least onecomfort module 22 are positioned in succession along the longitudinalaxis XX′ of the aircraft. Advantageously, one of the modules is anaccess module 18 and one of the other modules is a comfort module 18.

The access module 18 is, according to the embodiment alternatives shownabove, positioned at a longitudinal end along the longitudinal axis XX′of the series of modules. In a variant, the access module 18 can belocated between the two comfort modules 22. For the modules located atthe end of a series, the first passage 24 and/or the second passage 24do not open into another module and are sealed off or closed.

Preferably, the main aisles 26 are located in the extension of oneanother so as to form a continuous main aisle along the series ofmodules. In FIGS. 1a to 1c , the main aisle 26 formed by the series ofmodules is rectilinear along the longitudinal axis XX′ over the entirelength of the series of modules. In FIG. 2, with the exception of theaccess module 18, the main aisle 26 formed by the series of modulesresults in the main aisle 26 being S-shaped, the S-shaped main aislesbeing arranged as a mirror image along the series of modules. In FIG. 3,the main aisle 26 formed by the series of modules combines rectilinearportions and S-shaped mirrored portions. Thus, the modules communicatewith one another, such that the passenger can go from one module to thenext along the series of modules.

As is better seen in FIGS. 4a to 4c , the structural element 14 of themodule comprises, for example, a box 27 configured to be loaded into theaircraft in a removable manner and comprising side faces 28. Accordingto an alternative embodiment, the side faces 28 of the box 27 areconfigured to engage with longitudinal guides 30 (visible in FIGS. 1aand 1b ) arranged in the cargo area 2. According to a specific example,the longitudinal guides 30 are located at the foot of the side walls 4of the cargo area 2. The longitudinal guides 30 in particular enable toensure the proper positioning of the module inside the cargo area 2.

By way of example, at least one of the side faces 28 of the box 27 cancomprise, as shown in FIGS. 4a to 4c , at least one cut panel 32, inparticular oriented at 45°. According to a specific embodiment, the cutpanel 32 is intended to slide parallel with and on the longitudinalguides 30 of the cargo area 2. As shown, the box 27 comprises two cutpanels 32 arranged on each of the side faces 28 of the box 27 extendingalong the longitudinal axis XX′ of the aircraft, preferably parallelwith the side walls 4 of the cargo area 2.

In addition, the cut panels 32 enable to decrease the residual spacepresent between the side walls 4 of the cargo area 2 and the sides 8 ofthe aircraft. Such a geometric configuration provides optimal volume inthe module such that the latter can be conformed according to specificneeds into an access module 18 and/or into a comfort module 22.

The box 27 further comprises end faces 34, also termed “stacking faces34”, configured to be arranged opposite the corresponding end faces 34of the adjacent module, arranged in an end position in the cargo area.The end faces 34 are arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ofthe module. The end faces 34 join the side faces 28 of the box 27 inorder to define, together with the structural element 14, the structuralshell of the module. In other words, in such an embodiment variant, twoadjacent modules 18, 22 thus formed have a double wall thicknessseparating them.

In a variant, the box 27 comprises an end face 34 and an opposite openend side so that two adjacent modules 18, 22 thus formed are separatedby a single wall thickness, by bringing the open side of the one incontact with the end face of the other.

In yet another variant, the box 27 comprises two open end sides so thattwo adjacent modules 18, 22 have no wall thickness separating them.

However, the modules can comprise stringers connecting their side facesto reinforce their rigidity, the positioning of the stringers beingpossibly changeable to prevent them from blocking the access hatch inthe case of stringers equipping an access module.

In addition, in an embodiment variant, the box 27 can also comprise abase 36 and/or an upper face, not shown in FIGS. 4a to 4c to make theinterior of the box 27 visible. The base 36 and/or the upper face extendfrom lower segments, respectively from the upper segments, of the sidefaces 28 and/or the end faces 34 of the box 27. The base 36 of the box27 is advantageously covered by the floor of the module. The upper face36, when present, forms the ceiling of the module. The first passage 24and/or the second passage 24 of the module are formed, for example, byopenings provided in the end faces 34 of the box 27.

Preferably, the box 27 comprises attachment means maintaining the box 27in position inside the cargo area. The attachment means constitutemooring or anchoring points of the box 27 to the side walls 4 and/or tothe floor of the cargo area 2.

With reference to FIGS. 1a to 1c , 2, 3, and 4 a to 4 c, it should benoted that the comfort device 20 comprises, for example, at least onesleeping unit 38. According to one specific configuration, at least onefirst sleeping unit 38 is, in particular, arranged parallel with themain aisle 26. In an alternative or complementary manner, at least onesecond sleeping unit 38 is, in particular, arranged perpendicular to themain aisle 26. The sleeping units are, for example, located on eitherside of the main aisle 26.

According to other configurations, the sleeping unit 38 can compriseseveral berths superposed on top of one another, along the axis Z of thesystem of coordinates XYZ.

As can be seen in the figures, by way of example, the berths located atthe base 36 of the box 27 can be offset with respect to the ones locatedon top of them because of the presence of the cut panel 32, the berthsbeing offset longitudinally or laterally depending on their orientation.

According to the configurations shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c , the firstsleeping unit 38 can comprise at least two superposed berths extendingfrom one end face 34 of the box 27 to the other, between the main aisle26 and one of the side faces 28 of the box 27.

In addition, the module further comprises a corridor 40 extending fromthe main aisle 26. In the example shown, the corridor 40 extendsparallel with the end faces 34 of the box 27. In such a configuration,the main aisle 26 and the corridor 40 together form a “T”.

The second sleeping unit 38 comprises two series of at least twosuperposed berths extending from the main aisle 26 to one of the sidefaces 28 of the box 27 between the corridor 40 and each of the end faces34 of the box 27.

According to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, a first sleeping unit38, that can comprise at least two superposed berths, extends, along thelongitudinal axis of the module, from one of the end faces 34 of the box27, between the main aisle 26 and one of the side faces 28 of the box27. A second sleeping unit 38, that can comprise at least two superposedberths, extends perpendicular to the first sleeping unit 38, from thesame side face 28 of the box 27 to the main aisle 26, along the otherend face 34 of the box 27. The first sleeping unit 38 and the secondsleeping unit 38, when thus arranged, form an “L” located at the cornerof the module. Another combination of a first sleeping unit 38 and of asecond sleeping unit 38 forming an “L” is arranged according to acentral symmetry of the module at another corner of the module. Thisarrangement thus offers eight berths located on either side of the mainaisle 26.

According to the configuration shown in FIG. 4a , the module comprisestwo main aisles 26 parallel with one another and parallel with thelongitudinal axis of the module. It comprises four passages 24corresponding to each main aisle 26. In such a configuration, four firstsleeping units 38, that can comprise at least two superposed berths,extend along the longitudinal axis of the module between the end faces34 of the box 27. Two first sleeping units 38, termed “central”, arearranged between the main aisles 26. Two first sleeping units 38, termed“lateral”, can comprise at least two superposed berths and extendparallel with the first sleeping units 38, termed “central”, along theside faces 28 of the box 27, in particular on top of their cut panel 32.The first sleeping units 38, termed “lateral”, are respectively arrangedbetween one of the main aisles 26 and the side face 28 of the box 27, inthe vicinity of the considered main aisle 26.

In a similar manner, according to the configuration shown in FIG. 4b ,the module comprises two main aisles 26 parallel with one another andparallel with the longitudinal axis of the module. It comprises fourpassages 24 corresponding to each main aisle 26. In such aconfiguration, four first sleeping units 38, that can comprise at leasttwo superposed berths, extend along the longitudinal axis of the modulebetween the end faces 34 of the box 27. Two first sleeping units 38,termed “central”, can comprise at least two superposed berths and arearranged between the main aisles 26. Two first sleeping units 38, termed“lateral”, can comprise at least two superposed berths and extendparallel with the first sleeping units 38, termed “central”, along theside faces 28 of the box 27. The first sleeping units 38, termed“lateral”, are respectively arranged between one of the main aisles 26and the side face 28 of the box 27, in the vicinity of the consideredmain aisle 26. In this specific configuration, the berths located at thebase 36 of the box 27 can be offset laterally, along a directionperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the module, with respect tothe berths located on top of them, owing to the presence of the cutpanel 32.

According to the configuration shown in FIG. 4c , the module comprises amain aisle 26 parallel with the longitudinal axis of the module and acorridor 40 extending from the main aisle 26 along a directionperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the module. The main aisle 26and the corridor 40 are arranged to form a “T”, as seen in theconfiguration of the modules of FIGS. 1a to 1c . Two first sleepingunits 38, termed “lateral”, can comprise at least two superposed berthsand can extend along the side faces 28 of the box 27, in a mannersimilar to the configuration of the module of FIG. 4a . According to theembodiment of FIG. 4c , the module further comprises at least one add-onunit 42 located between the corridor 40 and at least one of the endfaces 34 of the box 27. By way of example, the add-on unit 42 can be asecond sleeping unit 38 and comprise at least two superposed berths,extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the module from thefirst sleeping unit 38. Alternatively, the add-on unit 42 can be used invarious other manners, to provide storage space, a work space, orleisure spaces.

In a variant of each of the preceding configurations, instead ofsleeping units provided with superposed berths, it is possible to havesleeping units comprising a single berth.

Although this aspect is not shown, at least one of the end faces 34 cancomprise a retractable part in order to form sleeping units 38 withdouble superposed berths from a single sleeping unit 38 extending alongthe end faces 34, opposite two adjacent comfort modules 22.

The box 27 has, for example, a dimension along the longitudinaldirection of the module ranging from 150 to 240 cm. More specifically,the dimension along the longitudinal direction of the module can beequal to 153 cm or 220 cm or 240 cm.

The passages 24 of the modules are defined, for example, by partitionsof the box 27 and/or by ends of the sleeping units 38 located in thevicinity of the end faces 34 of the box 27.

Advantageously, although this aspect is not shown, the module comprisesone or more storage compartments, in particular for valuables such ashandbags, laptops or other items. Indeed, passengers might want to keepsuch items on their persons rather than leaving them in the storagespaces associated with their allocated seats on the upper deck or decks.More voluminous items, such as carry-on bags and suitcases, can be leftin the storage spaces of the upper deck or decks.

The storage compartments are integrated, for example, with the sleepingunits and/or located close to the sleeping units. In particular, thesecan be provided as safes. They are located at the head or at the foot ofa berth. They can also, in an alternative or complementary manner, belocated along and/or underneath the berth. They can in particular beprovided under the berth if the module has a lowered floor (and evenfurther on).

According to a specific aspect, they are configured to hold a jacketand/or a coat suspended on a coat hook provided in the storagecompartments.

The modules can also comprise shelves, in particular located at the headand/or foot of the berth, or tables, in particular located in themeeting rooms.

The different elements used to equip the modules, in particular theberths, storage compartments, shelves and/or tables, can be removable.In that case, the modules advantageously comprise for that purposeattachment points for said equipment. These various elements used toequip the modules can also, alternatively on cumulatively, be ofadjustable height.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each module, i.e. the access module 18 and/orthe comfort module 22, comprises at least one internal network 50 of themodule to transport power, in particular electrical power, to transmitdata and/or for the distribution of fluids, in particularair-conditioning and/or water. Each module further comprises aconnection interface 52 for the connection of the internal network 50 ofthe module to at least one network external to the module, in particulara specific network of the aircraft dedicated to the transport of power,in particular electrical power, to the transmission of data and/or tothe distribution of fluids, in particular air-conditioning and/or water.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 5, the connection interface 52 ofthe module is configured to engage with at least one connectioninterface 52 of the neighbouring module. For this purpose, theconnection interface 52 of the module is advantageously located, forexample, at the level of the end faces 34 of the module, so as to bepositioned opposite a neighbouring module. The internal network 50 thenextends, for example, along one of the side faces 28 of the module. Inparticular, the internal network 50 can, in part or in full, be arrangedat the level of the cut panel 32. However, the internal network 50 cancomprise branches arranged in the module for the distribution of power,data and/or fluids, at the desired location inside the module, forexample in the vicinity of the sleeping units 38.

According to an alternative embodiment, the arrangement of the modulesaccording to the present invention comprises a centralised connectioninterface 54. By way of example, the centralised connection interface 54can be arranged at the level of the access module 18. The centralisedconnection interface 54 defines one single connection point between thenetwork of the modular arrangement, made of various internal networks 50interconnected with one another, and the specific networks of theaircraft dedicated to the transport of power, in particular electricalpower, the transmission of data and/or the distribution of fluids, inparticular air-conditioning and/or water. According to the embodiment ofFIG. 6, the connection interfaces 52 of each module are configured toengage unitarily with the cargo area 2. The connection interfaces 52 arelocated, for example, on one of the side faces 28 of the box 27. Theembodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6 can also be combined.

In a variant (not shown), one of the modules, in particular the comfortmodule, can form a functional module, i.e. a module configured tocommunicate with at least one space external to the module, located inthe cargo area, so as to supply the cargo area, and in particular tosupply other modules located in the cargo area, with power, inparticular electrical power, with data, in particular with digital data,and/or with fluids. The functional module is advantageously configuredto be connected to one or more on-board systems of the aircraft.According to such a variant, the centralised interface 54 is located atthe level of the functional module. Such a module is advantageouslylocated at one of the ends of the succession/stack of modules.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7 to 9, wherein the access means 16 ofthe access module 18 comprises, for example, a staircase 60. Thestaircase 60 opens onto a landing 62 of the access module 18 connectingdirectly or indirectly with the main aisle 26 of the module. In theshown embodiment example, the staircase 60 forms a half-turn. Itconnects to the main aisle 26 by means of an access corridor linking thestaircase 60 to the main aisle 26. According to the embodiment of FIG.6, the access corridor is L-shaped, comprising a first aisle 61 and asecond aisle 63 from the landing 62 to the main aisle 26. In a variant,the staircase 60 can be straight or form a quarter-turn. Alternatively,the access means 16 can comprise a ladder.

Advantageously, the structural element 14, and in particular the box 27,are configured to enable attachment of the staircase 60 according tovarious predetermined configurations, in particular variouspredetermined orientations and/or positions, as is symbolised by thearrows 65. The module can therefore easily be adapted to the positioningrequirements inside the cargo area 2, converted according to the presentinvention into cabin space, with respect to an access opening providedin a floor of the upper deck to communicate with the cargo area 2. Themodularity of the orientations and/or positions is in particularrequired to ensure that the modular arrangement according to the presentinvention is applicable in all or part of existing aircraft and/or isimplemented regardless of the configurations of the cargo area 2,wherein the modular arrangement is arranged.

To this end, the box 27 comprises anchoring means for the staircase 60.The anchoring means for the staircase 60 are preferably evenlydistributed at the base 36 and/or on the floor of the box 27. In FIG. 8,the anchoring means are in particular anchoring points 67 enabling avariable positioning of the staircase longitudinally and/ortransversally. In addition, advantageously, the anchoring means alsoenable a variable angular orientation.

In an alternative and/or complementary manner, as shown in FIG. 9, theanchoring means are in particular rails 69. In the figure, the rails 69are arranged parallel with the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. In analternative variant (not shown), they are arranged perpendicular to thisaxis. The positioning of the staircase 60 with respect to the accesshatch can then be carried out, along the longitudinal axis of theaircraft, through the positioning of the access module 18 in the cargoarea 2 and, perpendicular to said axis, thanks to the rails 69.

As shown in FIG. 10, the access module 18 also comprises at least onecomfort device 20, for example, toilets 70 and/or a service area 70. Forexample, the toilets 70 and/or a service area 70 are likely to beintended for one or more members of the cabin crew or passengers. By wayof example, the toilets 70 and/or the service area 70 are located oneither side of the staircase 60. In particular, the toilets 70 and/orthe service area 70 are arranged along the side faces 28 of the box 27of the module.

The toilets 70, regardless of whether they are located at the level ofthe or one of the access modules 18 and/or at the level of one of thecomfort modules 22, in particular in the sanitary module if present,are, for example, connected to a tank for the collection of human wasteand separate from the septic tank of the aircraft. This can be a tankconfigured to carry out a chemical treatment of the waste.

In another variant, the access module 18 does not comprise toilets, andeven none of the modules 18, 20 equipping the cargo area 2 comprisetoilets, the latter only being provided on the upper deck or decks.

Although this aspect is not shown, to facilitate the upright position,the cargo area 2 can have a lowered floor, at least at the level of themodule or modules 18, 22, and the module or modules can have a floorthat fits with the shape of the floor of the cargo area. The floor ofthe module can in particular be mobile to fit with the floor of thecargo area in a lowered position and to be raised into other positions.

As detailed in the following description, in a specific arrangementconfiguration of the cargo area 2, the upper face of the module, whenpresent, can comprise a localised recess, in particular at the level ofthe landing 62 of the access module.

Complementary embodiments are shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, in which theupper deck 70 has a floor 72 wherein is provided an access hatch oropening 90 at the level of the staircase 60.

According to a specific embodiment example, the upper deck 70 compriseslocally a raised floor 73. Because of such an arrangement, the raisedfloor 73 enables to provide, at least locally, a part of the cargo area2 with a ceiling height that is greater than the ceiling height of therest of the cargo area 2. An area 74, corresponding to an edge of theraised floor 73 projected onto the floor of the box 27, defines a spaceof the box 27 wherein the ceiling height, at least locally, of the cargoarea 2 is greater than the ceiling height of the rest of the cargo area2. The area 74 is, in particular, shown in FIG. 13, where it isvertically delimited by a dotted line, and in FIG. 14, where it isgreyed out. In the area 74, the upright position is facilitated, whichis particularly advantageous considering the reduced ceiling height thatthe rest of the cargo area 2 is likely to have.

Advantageously, the raised floor 73 is located in the vicinity of theaccess means 16. More specifically, the raised floor 73 is located, inparticular, on top of the access opening 90 provided in the floor 72 ofthe upper deck 70 for the passage of the access means 16. Alternatively,the raised floor 73 is located, in particular, at the periphery of theaccess opening 90. Such configurations of the raised floor 73 areprovided such that the access opening 90 is possibly widened beyond whatis strictly necessary for the passage of the access means 16.

In addition, the upper deck 70 comprises an inclined partition 76forming, at least partially, a ceiling keeping a relatively constantceiling height above the access means 16, in particular of each step orflight of steps of the staircase 60. In the variant of FIGS. 11 to 13,the raised floor 72 of the upper deck 70 is located at the level of thelanding 62 of the access module 18. As is more particularly visible inFIG. 12, a first portion 78 of the inclined partition 76 is horizontallyextended by the raised floor 73.

According to one embodiment, the upper deck 70 comprises toilets 80located opposite the first portion 78 of the inclined partition 76. In avariant, it can serve as a service area or a wash-stand. Morespecifically, the presented configuration is such that the upper deck 70comprises a wash-stand 82 arranged opposite the first portion 78 of theinclined partition 76 with respect to the raised floor 73. Thus, theraised floor 73 forms a part of the floor 72 of the upper deck 70supporting the toilets 80 and the wash-stand 82 In particular, it mustbe noted that the embodiment of FIG. 12 comprises a staircase 60 forminga half-turn.

According to the variant of FIG. 14, the raised floor 73 is located atthe level of a surface of the cargo area 2 located in the vicinity ofthe last steps of the staircase, on the cargo area side 12, in a lateralextension of the steps. The area 74 enabling the upright position of apassenger in the cargo area 2 is therefore no longer at the level of thelanding 62, but next to the staircase 60. Such an area 7′ is all themore advantageous as it is located underneath an area that is hard touse from the upper deck 70. The raised floor 73 is in this caseindependent from the inclined partition 76. In particular, it must benoted that the embodiment of FIG. 13 comprises a staircase forming aquarter-turn.

The raised floor 73 is offset above the floor 72 of the upper deck 70 bya height ranging from 5 cm to 25 cm, in particular from 10 cm to 20 cm,and more specifically from 10 cm to 16 cm. These dimensions providesignificantly increased ceiling height in the corresponding part of thecargo area 2, while also forming a step that is easy to step over by apassenger circulating on the upper deck 70.

Preferably, the upper deck comprises partitions surrounding the hatchand/or the access opening 90, with the exception of the side throughwhich the staircase 60 is accessed. These partitions are provided tomake the circulation of passengers and crew members safer. They can be,in particular, the partitions of a separation space between two areas ofthe upper deck, in particular two areas belonging to different travelclasses.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments describedabove and provided solely by way of examples. It includes variousmodifications, alternative forms and other variants that a personskilled in the art can consider within the scope of the presentinvention, and in particular all the combinations of the variousoperating modes described above, these modes being taken individually orin combination.

1. A modular aircraft passenger accommodation, comprising a module,configured to be arranged in a removable manner in a cargo area of theaircraft the module comprising at least one of (a) an accesswayproviding communication between the module and an upper deck of theaircraft to define an access module, and (b) at least one comfort deviceconfigured to improve the comfort of the passenger, wherein the moduleis configured to communicate with at least one space external to themodule located in the cargo area.
 2. The modular aircraft passengeraccommodation according to claim 1, wherein the module is configured tocommunicate with an adjacent module.
 3. The modular aircraft passengeraccommodation according to claim 1, wherein the module is configured tobe arranged side-by-side with an adjacent module along a longitudinalaxis of the aircraft.
 4. The modular aircraft passenger accommodationaccording to claim 3, wherein the module comprises a first passageand/or a second passage configured to communicate with at least oneadjacent module.
 5. The modular aircraft passenger accommodationaccording to claim 4, wherein the first passage and the second passageare located at a level of opposite faces of the module along a directionthat extends parallel with a longitudinal axis of the module.
 6. Themodular aircraft passenger accommodation according to claim 4, whereinthe module comprises a main aisle between the first passage and thesecond passage.
 7. The modular aircraft passenger accommodationaccording to claim 1, wherein the module comprises a box configured tobe loaded in the cargo area of the aircraft in a removable manner. 8.The modular aircraft passenger accommodation according to claim 1,wherein the module comprises at least one internal network configuredfor at least one of the distribution of power, the transmission of dataand the distribution of fluids, and at least one connection interface ofthe internal network with the exterior of the module.
 9. The modularaircraft passenger accommodation according to claim 8, wherein theconnection interface of the module is configured to engage with at leastone connection interface of an adjacent module.
 10. The modular aircraftpassenger accommodation according to claim 1, wherein the modulecomprises at least one comfort device comprising one or more sleepingunits defining a comfort module.
 11. The modular aircraft passengeraccommodation according to claim 10, wherein the comfort modulecomprises at least one first of the sleeping units arranged parallelwith the main aisle and/or at least one second of the sleeping unitsarranged perpendicular to the main aisle.
 12. The modular aircraftpassenger accommodation according to claim 1, wherein the module whereinthe module is an access module and the accessway is one of a staircaseand a ladder.
 13. The modular aircraft passenger accommodation accordingto claim 12, wherein a structural element is configured to enableattachment of the access means according to predeterminedconfigurations.
 14. An aircraft cabin comprising at least one modulararrangement according to claim 1, arranged in the cargo area.
 15. Thecabin according to claim 14, wherein the modular arrangement comprisesat least one access module and/or at least one comfort module.
 16. Themodular aircraft passenger accommodation according to claim 7, whereinthe box is a structural element of the module.
 17. The modular aircraftpassenger accommodation according to claim 8, wherein the one internalnetwork is configured for the distribution of electrical power.